Pakistan High Commission seeks access to Altaf

LONDON: The Pakistan High Commission has sought access to Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Chief Altaf Hussain.

The Pakistan High Commission had approached the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office on Tuesday for providing consular services to Altaf Hussain but has not yet received a reply.

The letter to the Foreign and Commonwealth office was written on the directives of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

A foreign office spokesman told Geo late on Wednesday: “We can confirm that we have received a diplomatic note from the Pakistani High Commission and have passed it on to the relevant authorities. It’s for the relevant authorities to make a decision on this.”

When stressed by Geo whether the relevant authorities are the Metropolitan Police, the spokesman confirmed that the final decision on this will be made by the police.

Metropolitan police confirms that Altaf Hussain is still in the hospital as per pre-arranged appointment but remains in the police custody.

Police detectives are still present at Altaf Hussain’s residence in North Western London even after conclusion of search.

Altaf Hussain's house remains in control of Scotland Yard officers, local detectives deployed, Specialist Units leave pic.twitter.com/I2HyHXjr0Y

— Murtaza Ali Shah (@MurtazaGeoNews) June 4, 2014

The MQM chief’s residence was raided by around 40 specialist unit detectives at dawn on Tuesday.

The control of the house has been handed to the local police and around six policemen still remain at the scene but the search has concluded.

Forensic experts along with investigators of the murder of Dr Imran Farooq also took part in the search.

Altaf Hussain was arrested from his home in North London on suspicion of money laundering.

Scotland Yard confirmed that a 60-year old man had been arrested on suspicion of money laundering but did not name Altaf Hussain.